What Are the Causes of Sudden Onset Diarrhea in Humans?

Sudden onset diarrhea, or acute diarrhea, is a medical condition that causes a person’s stools to become watery and loose. Acute diarrhea has several causes and often clears up without medication after one to two days.

Bacterial Infections

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, patients may develop acute diarrhea from an infection caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli or Shigella. People may ingest these bacteria from contaminated water or food.

Viral Infections

Infections from viruses such as rotavirus, viral hepatitis or Norwalk virus can cause sudden onset diarrhea.

Parasites

Parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia lamblia can cause infections that result in acute diarrhea. Food or water that has been contaminated with these parasites can cause infection in people.

Traveler’s Diarrhea

Traveler’s diarrhea is a common form of acute diarrhea that occurs in foreign countries with unsanitary drinking water or food. This condition may be caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites and is rarely found in the United States.

Treatment

Acute diarrhea that is caused by parasites or bacteria should be treated with antibiotics that eliminate the infection. Viral infections may be treated with antiviral drugs if they are severe.

References

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Diarrhea